NextFin news, OpenAI launched a new app store embedded within ChatGPT on Monday, October 6, 2025, during its DevDay event held in San Francisco. This new platform allows ChatGPT users to interact with a variety of third-party applications directly through the chat interface, marking a significant evolution from a standalone chatbot to a dynamic AI operating system.
The launch includes partnerships with prominent companies such as Booking.com, Expedia, Spotify, Figma, Coursera, Zillow, and Canva. Users can invoke these apps naturally during conversations, for example, by asking ChatGPT to book a reservation, create a playlist, design graphics, or search for real estate listings. ChatGPT can also proactively suggest relevant apps based on the context of the conversation.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized the goal of making ChatGPT a productive tool for users, stating that the new apps blend familiar interactive elements like maps and presentations with conversational AI. The apps require users to connect their accounts upon first use, ensuring personalized and secure interactions.
The app store is powered by the newly introduced Apps SDK, a developer toolkit announced at DevDay that enables third-party developers to build AI-native applications integrated seamlessly within ChatGPT. The SDK is based on the open Model Context Protocol (MCP), which standardizes how AI systems connect to external data, APIs, and tools.
Initially, the in-chat apps are available to ChatGPT users outside the European Union across free and paid subscription tiers. OpenAI plans to expand access to EU users and enterprise customers in the coming months. Additionally, more partner integrations are expected later this year, including services like DoorDash, Instacart, Uber, and AllTrails.
OpenAI also announced plans to introduce monetization features for developers, including a framework called the Agentic Commerce Protocol to support secure in-chat transactions. Details on revenue sharing and app placement priorities will be shared later in 2025.
Privacy and data security are key considerations. OpenAI requires developers to adhere to strict usage and privacy policies, with transparent data handling disclosures. Users must explicitly grant permissions for apps to access their data, and granular data-sharing controls will be introduced later this year.
This launch represents a paradigm shift in AI and app ecosystems, positioning ChatGPT as a central hub for AI-powered applications and services. With over 800 million weekly active users, ChatGPT offers developers a powerful new distribution channel that integrates conversational AI with interactive applications, potentially rivaling traditional app stores like Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Industry experts view this move as a major step toward transforming AI from a conversational assistant into an intelligent platform capable of orchestrating complex workflows and delivering personalized digital experiences.
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